Leaders meet to consider how to best reach Generation Z
Leaders meet to consider how to best reach Generation Z
26 September 2019
Children and youth ministry leaders from around the world pledge to "stand in the gap" for the children and young people from Generation Z - and beyond.
Ninety-five leaders in children’s and youth ministry from 67 regions across the world gathered at Sunbury Court, near London, for the Right at the Heart conference 2019. The gathering had one topic right at its heart: how can The Salvation Army better reach Generation Z – the grouping of young people who, particularly in the West, are considered the first truly non-Christian generation?
The eight-day conference began with a twofold affirmation from General Brian Peddle: God’s hand and blessing are still on The Salvation Army; and the world still needs The Salvation Army’s message of hope through Jesus Christ. With this in mind, the General challenged delegates to consider the generation who followed Joshua (Judges chapter 2), that neither knew God nor what he had done. “We are standing on a treacherous cliff if we take our eyes off the generation behind us,” he said. “We must do something.”
Each day began with Australian officer Captain Nesan Kistan’s in-depth studies of the Bible characters of Moses, Esther, Joseph, Rahab and Noah. Delegates were challenged to take a moral stand even when it appears costly, to take a spiritual stand even when it seems difficult, and to take a positional stand even if it’s threatening. “We’re living in a time when God is calling his people to be courageous,” Nesan said.
With open hearts, delegates soaked in the expertise and experience of plenary session speakers. Blake Lanier (psychotherapist, trainer and consultant) addressed understanding gender identity in youth work and welcomed discussion on real-life scenarios. Delegates were challenged to step out of their comfort zones to embrace LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking community and connection. Blake also addressed the impact of family on youth mental health: “Every kid wants to know one thing,” said Blake: “‘Will you be there when I need you?”’
Captain Swetha Vincent carried the baton of social justice, which she urged people to consider, not as an after-thought but as a first thought. “It’s time for us to take a stand,” she said, explaining that justice in the context of God’s Kingdom establishes a biblical mandate to do something. Having shared statistics about a variety of social issues, Swetha encouraged delegates not to lose the stories or faces in the numbers: “The one child, one teen, one young adult matters,” she affirmed.
Colonel Evie Diaz continued the conversation of child protection and young people, revealing that The Salvation Army looks after more than 1.5 million children at any given point in time.
In both plenary sessions and workshops, a broader picture of youth ministry was formed. Kevin and Sheryl Slous continued the configuration by addressing how to develop a holistic youth ministry with vision driving and strategy in the front seat. “The Christ-centred story should always be on ‘loop’ in our ministries,” said Kevin. Sheryl addressed reaching Generation Z not as reactive but as proactive. ‘Mind the Gap’ – a familiar announcement on the London Underground – became the anthem of both presentation and discussion. The descriptions of communicational, transitional and capacity gaps between different generations seemed insurmountable – yet hope was shared. Delegates were asked if they were willing to stand in the gap – carrying young people, one by one, to the feet of Jesus? One at a time, each person stood and boldly declared: “I will mind the gap.”
As an overflow of these rich sessions, delegates had the opportunity to participate in both zonal and corporate discussions. The voices of representative youth delegates from around the world proved vital. Their local concerns resonated deeply. One youth delegate expressed the need to be heard and another the need for less talk and more action.
Delegates from 67 regions around the world joined the conference.
Big questions concerning the future of The Salvation Army youth ministry were discussed corporately, and the voices of the youth delegates were heard. A need to change was recognised – and it was made clear that, to know how to change, the voices of the generation being lost must be heard. The question rang loud and clear: how can The Salvation Army give young people a voice today? Ideas were gathered and then presented by the youth delegates to the General.
By description, this was considered a conference. However, for the sake of the generation that is being lost, it must be more than a conference – it must be a call to action.
The General concluded the week with just that. As every delegate held a unique puzzle piece that connected to the person beside them, the General challenged delegates to stand up and fulfil the purpose of their piece in the world today. It was a word that resonated with those present.
The large puzzle of youth ministry may seem too big to address, yet the General’s charge inspired encouragement to stand tall in the contexts delegates find themselves in, and be the piece God made them to be in God’s grand picture of youth ministry in The Salvation Army.
As the General said, God’s hand and blessing are still on The Salvation Army today. Global children’s and youth leaders will continue to seek him and move to action in being the best piece of his puzzle he has called them to be.
Comments
Gen Z is variously described as fitting in between the years of 1997-2000 to 2011-2015, so they spring from the age of four to the age of 22. The older members of Gen Z are graduating from college and entering the workforce. I have two of them at home, God bless 'em. They are already a quarter of the population.
“…Gen Z is suspicious of authority and conscious that the major institutions of society are crumbling. But, they lack both the knee-jerk sarcasm and cynicism of Gen X and the wide-eyed optimism of Millennials.”
https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-market-to-gen-z-7660faded83f
If we/TSA expect Gen Z to “join”, without sharing any real power to change things, then we are kidding ourselves. They want authentic connection and distrust authority. Are there avenues for TSA to present genuine opportunities to participate and have a say?
One thing the Army has going for it is the power of the story of the Gospel. “Gen Z is captivated by narrative”.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/08/11/how-gen-z-and-gen-aa-are-reshaping-the-economy/#6b2c63427e4f
But it is a shared narrative they are after – not one set in stone and controlled by others. Generation Z are said to shun conformity and tradition; to value storytelling and visual displays. They view life globally.
Some 88% of Generation Z cited in some research state that they are exploring their sexuality. Drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking and teen pregnancy are at their lowest levels in decades.
60% of Gen Z want to change the world and co-create culture.
https://www.visioncritical.com/blog/generation-z-infographics
I see opportunities that TSA can pursue with Gen Z, but they are flimsy with our current structure and deathgrip on the steering wheel. Want to attract Gen Z and other young people? Cede control, share purpose, live your mission and get over the obsession of owning them. “Belonging” is no longer the be all and end all.